Protecting species

Kootenay National Park

All animals and plants are protected inside Kootenay National Park but some species need extra help.

What is a species at risk?

A species at risk is a plant or animal that is in danger of disappearing if something is not done to help it.

Why protect species at risk?

Protecting the full range of life on earth sustains the health of our planet. There are billions of species in the world, many not yet discovered. It is estimated that a species goes extinct every 20 minutes. By protecting our local species at risk we help to protect global diversity.

How are we protecting species at risk?

We are helping to recover species at risk by:

locating and protecting critical habitat (for example nesting areas)
monitoring populations of at-risk species
restoring grasslands and open forests critical to many species at risk
taking steps to protect native species from introduced diseases

Connected: A Parks Canada Podcast New

All animals and plants are protected inside the national parks, but some need extra help. Connected will introduce you to species at risk that are in danger of disappearing.

From the charismatic grizzly bear to the hardy whitebark pine, we will explore why these species are in trouble and what we stand to lose. Each of the six episodes feature a different animal or plant, and the Parks Canada specialists who work to protect them. Step into the park with us. Connect. Find ways to listen for free below.

Species at Risk Act (SARA) Rankings

Extinct: gone forever
Extirpated: locally, regionally or nationally extinct but exists elsewhere in the wild
Endangered: facing imminent extirpation or extinction if nothing is done to reverse the threats
Threatened: likely to become threatened if actions are not taken to reduce biological threats or human impact
Special Concern: sensitive to human activities or natural events but not endangered or threatened